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Scion tC
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Comments
The only noise I may complain about is caused by the tires not the car. I have raised the issue of the Potenzas being less than acceptable compared to other tires out there and considered trading them in immediately but the cost was too great as dealers were giving me next to nothing for the new 'trade-ins'. I didn't want the hassle of selling them myself so decided to save a few bucks and give the RE92's a try. By the time I'm disgusted with them they'll probably be worn out anyway and I'll get what I want.
In/re the stereo. My SSP settings are "Hear", "Feel" and " Neutral" Is this a different version of radio from the xA,xB, etc.?
I find the unit to be great. The base can blow the doors off in the "Feel" mode.
That's it for now, going for another ride!!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I agree that you need to sit in it yourself. A few years back, I turned down a great deal on an Acura 3.2TL because I just couldn't get a comfortable driving position where my head wasn't plastered on the roof. At the same time, reviewers seemed to find it to have plenty of room.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
If they do raise the price a large amount and stick with the no haggle thing, I'm going to seriously start considering a 05 v6 Mustang instead.
Not as realiable as a Toyota, but it looks really nice. And according to Edmunds data, gas mileage is comparable plus has 210 hp.
Then again, still a year away from deciding which car to get. So who knows, a new car may come around and catch my attention.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
I'm only an average 5'10" height, but I like to have my seat quite upright. Doing so, my hair almost touches the tC roof, even with the seat completely lowered. The MAzda 3, even with a sunroof, provides a good, appreciated 1 1/2 inches more. The only way you'll have enough headroom in the tC is to lean the driver's seat back - which lots of people seem to do.
Everyone's right, you'll have to sit in one for awhile. Someone your size may simply have to forgo any model with a sunroof.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
Anyway, it was a little darker than I remembered. I actually thought it looked real nice, not too flashy. But, it was rainy today, so that might have dulled it up a bit.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
The white is amazingly bright, clean, and striking looking - but too common in Southern Cal. The silver is sharp and classy - but too common in every model everywhere. The azure pearl has all the sharpness and class of silver, but with more color boldness that sets it apart from the masses of silver cars. I think the metallics show their best only under sunlight, whereas the white looks equally good under sun light or street lamp.
Every car needs a black option, but the tC loses all of its contrasting glass and grill work on the black paint. Flint mica counters this while still providing a dark, elegant look. The cherry looks gorgeous - but, like the black and flint mica, must be kept totally clean. The blue is bold and different - if that's what strikes you. All of these colors fade towards black at nightime. Their color and bold metallic flakes certainly look their best under day time sun light - an anomaly in some states.
I know one thing for sure - having more than one color preference will help you get a car faster. So, if you can't make up your mind completely, the ordering system will help do it for you. Most dealers want at least 2, and preferably 3 options specified, and your first choice is no more preferenced than your second choice. In fact, had I not taken my second color choice when it came in last week, my name would have been sent back to the bottom of the list for my first color choice. Bummer, but it did help me finally commit.
I'll keep that in mind come ordering time. I've got my two in mind...BCP and II. 5-speed manual tranny with the "popping out of 3rd gear" problem fixed by a year from now. Will Scion offer rebates on 2005 models around September of 2005 do ya think? Just curious.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
Here's your chance to vote.
Cut and paste the URL below into your address bar.
http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?article_id=1569&page_- - number=1
First, the whole minimal inventory management of the Scions on dealers' lots reduces the need for rebates or price cuts. Unless the factory production drastically exceeds demand, which seems particularly unlikely for the tC over the next year, the company would be foolish to cut profits with rebates. Look at the Mazda 3. Mazda offered 1.5K rebates last month on all of its models - except for the hot selling, first year, 3 model. Given Scion's short run cycle intentions on each of its models, it seems likely that the company will come out with a new model before the tC production far exceeds demand - negating any need for a rebate.
Second, consider the xA. Its sales have slowed; the 05's are out; no rebates were offered on the 04's. If we didn't see rebates offered on this less successful model it would be inconsistent and illogical to see a rebate offered on the tC - even later next year.
I have no insight, so I could be wrong. But, I wouldn't count on any rebate likely enough to influence your decision on when to buy.
As for 06 pricing: Japan's inflation rate is so low that it should put little upward pressure on next year's price. Their currency value is a bigger question mark though, and could be a significant pricing factor. Overall, Toyota management has declared their intent to increase market share. This SHOULD mean that the company will keep the tC model priced as low as possible and increase the production rate if it continues to have successful demand.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
OTD MSRP includes the Destination Charge of $515, which gives you the grand total price of $16,465.
Good luck trying to get a dealer to not charge you the destination charge.
If you want to go into details, according to Edmunds, the base invoice for a TC is $15,152
I don't have a problem with paying msrp for the car itself, only wish they would give a discount on the accessories. But then again, why would they since that's where most dealers make their money.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
Previous discussions here complained of doc fees of up to $600. It seems to vary per state and dealer. In San Diego its fixed at $45.
Being a persistent haggler, I've never paid much over invoice for a car, so paying the MSRP on the tC hurt. But, its MSRP price just about matches the Mazda 3's invoice price, so I've accepted it.
I was seriously tempted last month to forgo my tC preference. First, Ford was running ridiculous rebates and dealer incentives on the 04 Focus, selling base models with AC for 3K UNDER invoice at $8777. I couldn't stomach the styling, but practicality and cost sure tempted me. Second, Honda's rebate program had new Civics with AC selling for $12500. Again, I couldn't accept the boring styling, but for quality, reliability, safety, and economy, that was certainly a good deal. Finally, one San Diego dealer, for one weekend, put an unprecedented sale on all Mazda 3i's. Seven of them with AC went for $12777 - about $1300 UNDER invoice. Had I not insisted on a sunroof and SAB's, I definitely would have chosen that deal over the tC.
It's always prudent to watch the sales. A good deal might come along to tempt you away from the tC. If they'd sell a Mini below MSRP, that'd be a temptation worth considering.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
My wifes Quest does about 2,500 prm @75 mph. I actually think a 5 speed tC would be fine at that, but to be conservative, split the difference. 75 @3K.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
At 75 on the manual, the tach read 3 1/4 thousand. Given the car's low end torque, that may be higher than necessary, but its an improvement over my 91 Miata that pushes 4k at 75.
For better gas mileage, I wish they'd geared the car higher too. But, I reckon Toyota aimed to strike a balance between performance and economy. Let's hope gas doesn't move on up towards $100/brl.
I want to hear more real world gas mileage numbers from present owners.
On the couple of trips I have taken, I have gotten between 30 and 33+ on different legs, not loafing when possible and a fari bit of traffic.
Overall, could be better, but not too bad. Certainly better than if it had a V6 and comparable performance, but not as good as if it was geared 10% lower.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
While the city/hwy percentages are my best estimates, the MPH was calculated with precision.
I have over 700 miles on the car in 10 days and have loved every minute of it.
It's a BC auto, I waited 5 weeks and held out for only one color. When it's clean it can't be beat for looks. Great paint and it fits the vehicle well day or night.
That said, there are lots of reasons to move one way or another up or down the various possible extremes - small, higher revving engines don't like to be too lazy at highway speeds - they don't make enough power or torque to be responsive on demand. Larger, torquier engines tend to be geared higher to allow them to get good fuel consumption without sacrificing performance.
Every manufacturer has prejudices and practices that play out on individual models and drivetrains. I can assure you that no one wants to drive a road car that is doing 5000 rpm at 60 mph - the noise alone would drive you nuts, never mind the premature engine wear.
These days, 20 mph per 1000 rpm in final drive is about as short as it gets - there are some exceptions, but they are exceptions for good reason [some versions of the Miata, for example]; some larger American cars are geared as high as 33 mph (or more) per 1000 rpm. There really is no such thing as "typical" - in general, you want the least amount of engine speed that keeps the car feeling responsive, since lower engine speed translates to less noise, less wear, and less fuel used. But that leaves a lot of room for different cars to find different answers to the question...depends on how the car is intended to be used, and the intended audience.
: )
Mackabee
Seems like Toyota could have kept the first 4 gears low for acceleration, but allowed a higher 5th to provide lower rpms and better gas mileage. Another mystery from the engineers.
I'll be mostly satisfied with the present gearing, but if I lived in one of the lucky states without speed limits... I'd be wanting a smooth, lower reving car for obvious reasons.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
And, how many people these days even know what the heck a handbasket is?
As to gearing, it actually keeps me from going to fast on the highway. The engine is so smooth and quiet, you have to look at the tach to know how fast it's spinning, but it seems to like cruising naturally at about 72ish.
I have a theory that all cars have a inherent speed that they like to cruise at, sort of a built-in "sweet spot" where it just feels natural to be. Combo of gears, engine, angle of the gas pedal, etc.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I do feel that with the tC I'm gonna probably drive a tad faster...I mean, who wouldn't want to with that smooth setup available?
stickguy, do you feel that the stereo operation is kinda hokey in the tC or have people gotten very good at complaining? Maybe it's just me but I fail to see a big fault in the tC stereo setup. On paper(or the Internet)anyway. Maybe I'll just need to go give one a test-run to see for myself.
2021 Kia Soul LX 6-speed stick
Most people aren't able to, or are unwilling to, make this assessment each time they make a lane change. So, they either nicely signal ALL the time, or unnicely signal NONE of the time. The bigger mistake I see is people signaling WHILE they move rather than BEFORE they move.
I guess I'd rather think and assess than make that extra hand movement every time. But, the tC's cool mirror signals might encourage me to be less lazy in the future.
Other than that, seems OK to me. But, try it for yourself.
There is actually an advantage to the cover. Since the radio is recessed, it makes a little ledge that I rest my hand on to steady it when I am pushing the volume buttons.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
One complaint on these venues that I consider completely absurd is concerning the 3rd brake lite not illuminating across the entire fixture. Some people don't know the difference between a problem and a preference. -Like 'iluvmysephia1' said - maybe some people are just too good at complaining.
Noticed something kinda neat last night. The small indicator light on the temp control dial changes from blue-amber-red when going from cold setting to hot. Like several other things - nice touch! Neat detail!
iluvmysephia1: in July, I had a nasty little wreck that dictated the need for a new car, thus my tC! I believe if the gargantuan SUV had been using its blinkers before changing lanes at 80+ MPH directly on top of me, it could have prevented several of the collisions that immediately followed. Yep, I'm a BIG fan of seatbelts and turn signals!!
to all: took my first roadtrip with passengers last week. The party consisted of 3 women heading for a 7-day cruise out of Houston (5 hrs from home) We had the right-rear passenger seat down and an incredible amount of luggage packed in the car. On the return trip, we had even MORE luggage packed into the car. Every nook-n-cranny was full and not a single complaint on space or comfort. It rode very well and my passengers were thoroughly impressed with the ride and handling, not to mention the cool looks the car was getting while sitting in Houston traffic!
: )
Mackabee